Renew your Commercial Driver's License (2024)

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Beginning February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established new minimum training standards for individuals applying for:

• Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL) for the first time
• An upgrade of an existing CDL (e.g., Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL)
• A Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsem*nt on a CDL for the first time

These new minimum training standards are referred to as Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Drivers must complete the required ELDT from a training provider registered with FMCSA before being scheduled for CDL skills or knowledge tests to obtain one of the licenses or endorsem*nts listed previously. Once implemented, the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) will retain a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the ELDT regulations. A CLP may be issued prior to ELDT being completed. First-time hazardous applicants including those applying for a Class A, B, or C CDL must complete the hazardous portion of ELDT prior to a written knowledge test being administered at a branch office. Customers who received their Class A or B CLP prior Feb. 7, 2022, are exempt from these regulations until the CLP is expired.

ELDT Applicability (FMCSA)

Upon completing EDLT, a record of completion will be added to the Michigan Department of State records system. To locate an ELDT provider, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

Locate an ELDT provider (FMCSA)

To apply for a CDL endorsem*nt, visit a Secretary of State office to provide your:

• Valid, unexpired driver’s license
• Completed and signed Commercial Driver’s License Certification form

Additional documents are required for hazardous materials (hazmat), passenger, and school bus endorsem*nts.

Schedule an office visit

Commercial Driver’s License Certification form

Starting November 18, 2024, the State of Michigan must check the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) before carrying out any licensing transactions related to commercial driver's licenses (CDL) or commercial learner's permits (CLP). The DACH is an online database managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and its main purpose is to provide compliance information on drug and alcohol program violations committed by CDL or CLP holders to law enforcement, state licensing agencies (DMV), and employers in the transportation industry.

If a driver tests positive or refuses to undergo a DOT drug test, the State of Michigan will be required to downgrade their CLP or CDL upon receiving notification of a DACH violation from the FMCSA. Afterwards, the driver must successfully complete the return-to-duty (RTD) process with a substance abuse professional (SAP) who is qualified by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

To be issued a CDL endorsem*nt, you must pass the following at a Secretary of State office:

• Vision test
• Knowledge test about the CDL endorsem*nt for which you are applying

Schedule an office visit

Michigan Commercial Driver’s License Manual

If you are applying for a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsem*nt, visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following in addition to your valid, unexpired license and CDL Certification form:

• A document proving your legal presence in the United States
• A background check completed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

More information on background check requirements is available on the TSA website.

Schedule an office visit

TSA background check requirements for hazmat endorsem*nt

During your Secretary of State office visit, provide payment for the endorsem*nt using cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).

License and ID fees

To renew your commercial driver’s license online, you will need:

• Your driver’s license or renewal notice
• An updated valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (also known as a DOT Medical Card) to upload, if you have certified to non-excepted interstate driving
• Payment with credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or e-check/bank account number. Fees: Details in following FAQs.

Note: If you have a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsem*nt, you can’t renew online.

Go to Online Services

To renew your CDL at a Secretary of State office, you will need your:

• Michigan driver’s license
• Completed and signed Commercial Driver's License Certification form

If you self-certify as a non-excepted interstate driver, you must also present a completed and signed Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT Medical Card).

You will be required to take and pass a vision test to renew your CDL endorsem*nt(s).

If you are renewing a hazardous materials (hazmat [H]) endorsem*nt, visit a Secretary of State office to provide the previously listed documents as well as:

• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• A background record check completed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

You will be required to pass a written knowledge test for the renewal of your H endorsem*nt, in addition to the vision test.

Schedule an office visit

Commercial Driver's License Certification form